The laws governing real estate transactions vary from state to state. In Georgia, an attorney must oversee all real estate closings. It’s important to understand what this means for you. An attorney hired by a party other than yourself is not going to be looking out...
Real Estate Law
Three things to consider when purchasing a home
The process of buying a home can be complex. Many people think the purchase process is as simple as attending a showing, making an offer and sealing the deal at closing. But as you prepare for the transaction, you will have to consider other details. The following...
Can you change a closing date?
Generally speaking, you can change the closing date in your residential real estate contract with consent from the other parties. There may be repercussions for this change, as well as fees and additional costs for one or both sides. Your ability to change might also...
Dividing a jointly owned property
There are many reasons someone may only partially own a Georgia property. Spouses buy a home together. Family members jointly inherit property after a loved one passes away. If everyone agrees, sharing a property can be simple. However, problems may occur if one or...
What are common contingencies for real estate transactions?
There are a lot of tasks involved in a real estate closing. This is the portion of the transaction where you settle all last-minute matters before the home finally becomes yours. Contingencies must be completed to make the transaction becomes official, and they cover...
Georgia renters given new legal protections
If you rent an apartment in Cummings, you should know about a new Georgia law that protects your rights. The measure prohibits landlords from retaliating against you if you have reported code violations or unsafe living conditions. Forsyth County officials are split...
Housing market trends for home buyers and sellers
If you are buying or selling a house in Georgia, the state of the market and timing are important to determine how much money you will see out of your house. According to a report created by MetroDepth, home sales in the Atlanta area declined during the year after...
The pros and cons of buying a home in the exurbs
Exurbs were hit hard during the housing crisis, including in Georgia. Sale prices in these less-densely populated communities around the country fell 31 percent from their 2007 peak as compared to urban areas, which saw a drop of 24 percent. While prices in urban...
What to do when behind on a mortgage
Homeowners in Georgia may experience difficulty making payments on their mortgages. At this point, it may make sense to sell the home and get out from the expensive home loan. The good news is that an individual can generally sell the home even if he or she is behind...
Housing market is finally looking up for buyers
In recent years, sellers have generally had the upper hand in the housing market in Georgia and many other parts of the country. However, 2019 is shaping up to be a year in which buyers may be gaining back some leverage. According to Redfin, only 13 percent of homes...